The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

ZEPHANIAH 3:13KJV
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Zephaniah 3:13 (KJV)

What does Zephaniah 3:13 mean?

Zephaniah 3:13 describes a future group from Israel who will be honest and upright, doing no wrong, telling no lies, and having no deceit in their speech. This group will live in safety and peace, with no one left to make them afraid.

The prophet Zephaniah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and Judah during a time of judgment and warning, but here he describes hope for a faithful "remnant"—those who remain true to God after judgment. The verse paints a picture of a restored community where trust, truthfulness, and security replace the corruption and fear that had been common.

The Hebrew behind Zephaniah 3:13

  • The word "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) means those who are left over or survive after a disaster or judgment. In this context, it highlights that not all will be lost—some will remain faithful and be restored.
  • "Iniquity" (עַוְלָה, avlah) refers to wrongdoing or injustice. The verse emphasizes that this group will be marked by moral integrity, not just outwardly but in their actions and character.
  • "Lies" (כָּזָב, kazav) and "deceitful" (תַּרְמִית, tarmit) both point to a complete absence of dishonesty, stressing that truthfulness will define the community's speech and relationships.
  • "Feed" (רָעָה, ra'ah) and "lie down" (רָבַץ, ravatz) together create an image of peacefulness and security, like sheep who can rest without fear of predators.

Why Zephaniah 3:13 matters

  • Zephaniah 3:13 clears up the idea that God's judgment is only about punishment; it also leads to restoration and hope for those who remain faithful.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity as central qualities of the restored community, not just ritual or outward religion.
  • This promise connects to the larger message of Zephaniah, showing that God’s ultimate goal is a people who live in peace, free from fear and corruption.

Where else these words appear

“deceitful” Hebrew H8649 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.
  • Psalms 119:118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

“down” Hebrew H7257 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 33:13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
  • Isaiah 17:2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

“lies” Hebrew H3577 · used in 31 verses

  • Judges 16:10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
  • Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
  • Ezekiel 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

“afraid” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
  • Jeremiah 46:27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.